Vikings’ tie with Strathmore ends winning streak

By
PAT NOLAN

SEBASTOPOL Vikings extended their unbeaten six-game streak – but ended their winning ways – after finishing in a scoreless draw against Strathmore FC on the road on Saturday.

SEBASTOPOL Vikings extended their unbeaten six-game streak – but ended their winning ways – after finishing in a scoreless draw against Strathmore FC on the road on Saturday.

The 0-0 result against the third-placed side was an improvement of their earlier loss to the Vikings in round six and was a signal of their late season resurgence in the Football Federation Victoria state league four competition.

Before Saturday’s game, Sebastopol had won its three previous encounters, accounting for Bell Park, Maribyrnong Greens and Laverton Park in consecutive weeks.

The latest result brings an end to their winning streak, although it meant the Vikings at least collected some points for the sixth match in a row.

They now sit in eighth spot on the table, having been as low as 11th after round eight when they had secured just one win and a draw from its opening eight fixtures.

Since that point in the season, Sebastopol has scored the fourth-highest amount of premiership points out of the 12 teams in the league, with 16 points from nine games.

With five games remaining the home and away season, the Vikings only play two teams above it on the table to round out the year, both of which come in the next two weeks.

Coach Michael Busija believes his side now needs six points from its remaining five matches to ensure its safety in state league four, with the bottom-two sides facing relegation.

“We were happy with the result at the weekend, it was about getting as many points as we can against a top side on the road,” he said.

“Keeping a clean sheet against such a good side is a great sign that means a lot.”

The Vikings will this week be sweating over the fitness of Alex Antonelli, who came off the field about halfway through the match with hamstring tightness.